The Journey Continues…

After 51.6 days in the Heart and Lung Transplant ICU, Collin and I, along with guidance from his care team, have decided that Collin will get an LVAD placed instead of continuing to wait in the hospital for a heart.

The team has struggled to find a suitable match given Collin’s height and blood type. While he’s doing well in the hospital and everything is going as planned so far, he’s at risk the longer that he waits.

While we were hoping for the heart transplant, we’ve learned that the LVAD still offers Collin the quality of life we both want in a shorter time frame.

What is an LVAD?

• What it is: A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a mechanical pump implanted to help his weakened heart's left ventricle pump blood to the rest of his body.

• Who it's for: LVADs are often used as a "bridge" to a future heart transplant, or as long-term ("destination") therapy. In Collin’s case, we’re using this as a bridge. Collin will remain on the heart transplant list, but will drop to a status 4 priority. Between years 5 and 7, he’ll rise to a status 2 priority (his current status), and will have the option to receive a heart while waiting at home.

• How it will work: The pump will connect directly to his heart, and a driveline (a cable) will pass through his skin to an external controller and batteries, which he'll wear or carry with him.

• Life with an LVAD: He'll need to keep the batteries charged and the controller nearby at all times. He won't have a normal pulse in the usual sense, since the device will provide continuous blood flow.

What This Means for Us

• No swimming or submerging in water: The equipment can't get wet, so showers will require special covers, and pools, lakes, and baths are off limits.

• Blood thinners: He'll stay on anticoagulant medication to prevent clots, which means a higher risk of bleeding and regular blood tests to monitor levels.

• Daily Care Routine: The driveline exit site will need daily care to reduce the risk of infection, since it's an open path from outside the body to inside.

• Always powered: The device can never be unplugged from both power sources at once. He'll need backup batteries charged and ready, especially when we're out of the house.

The Good News

It's not all restrictions! Plenty of people with an LVAD go on to live full, active lives.

• Getting back to normal activities: Many people return to work, hobbies, and exercise once they've healed and gotten the hang of the equipment. Collin will be back on the Harley blasting “Candy” at the intersection of 1604 and Blanco IN NO TIME!

• Traveling: With some planning around batteries and equipment, travel (including flying) is 100% possible. Euro Summer 2027 is back on, mes amoures!

• Feeling better than before: WHAT I’M MOST EXCITED FOR. Improved blood flow means more energy and stamina since the heart is no longer struggling to keep up. Collin will be OUTSIDE and THRIVING. Lowe’s will hate to see him coming.

• Time: The device buys time. It gives Collin a real shot at reaching transplant while living life in the meantime, not just waiting for it. Cheers to more years with ME (and Gina)!

What's Next

Surgery is tentatively scheduled for August 24, but that day my slip as they want to make sure Collin goes into surgery at 100%. They would rather him go in strong, rather have him go through the surgery under a weakened state that would require him to stay in the hospital longer.

We'll keep you posted as we get closer to surgery and through recovery. Thank you all for the love and support so far. CAN’T WAIT TO GET BIG TEX HOME!!

Send Collin Love + Words of Encouragement: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/2s3RZP59